Reinhardt, Django (1910–1953)

Belgian jazz guitarist and composer. He was co-leader, with Stéphane Grappelli, of the Quintet du Hot Club de France 1934–39. He had a lyrical acoustic style and a highly individual linear technique (due to a severe injury caused by a fire in his caravan, he could use only two of the fingers on his left hand). He was one of the first European jazz musicians to influence US players. He is regarded as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, and is very highly rated by classical players.